Schuitmaker backs STEM, in-demand jobs bills

Thousands of jobs in Michigan go unfilled due to a shortage of trained workers.

I recently supported legislation that would help close the gap in the number of skilled Michigan workers available to fill in-demand jobs. Many of the high-skilled jobs are in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Senate Bill 344 would allow a student to receive a STEM endorsement as an incentive to take more STEM classes. The endorsement would highlight their accomplishments and give them a competitive advantage in landing a high-paying job.

Senate Bill 343 would require schools to provide students with the most recent available analysis of in-demand jobs in their local region. By providing high school students with information about in-demand jobs and growing careers in their area, students could take the appropriate classes to develop the skills needed in order to qualify for these jobs.

The legislation would provide another important tool to help fill Michigan jobs with Michigan residents. The bills have been sent to the House for consideration.